Record stands at 12-3
By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
At the start, it looked like the Flucos might have some trouble with the Orange County Fighting Hornets. In the top of the first inning, Orange County’s lead-off hitter doubled and the second batter drew a walk. A wild pitch moved up the runners and two infield outs scored two runs. Despite the early deficit, the Flucos bounced back quickly. Sophomore shortstop Sam Loving led off for the Flucos with a crisply hit single. For the rest of the inning, the Orange pitcher threw bullets and mixed in a good curve ball. However, the Flucos waited him out. Although the Flucos failed to put another ball in play, four walks and some wild pitches gave the Flucos two runs.
After the shaky first inning, Fluco junior pitcher Caden Harris settled down and threw three and two thirds scoreless innings. He allowed only one more hit before being relieved in the fifth by fellow junior Cam Via. Harris struck out eight and walked three. In the bottom of the third, the Flucos took the lead for good. The Hornets’ pitcher was still having control problems. He walked the first three batters, but the first walk was wiped out by an out while attempting to steal second. With two outs and men on first and second, junior left-fielder Jackson Fields singled to score one. The Flucos added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth when Fields singled, moved to second on a walk and scored on a wild pitch and an interference call. Via turned in strong game in relief of Harris, pitching two and a third innings, striking out five and starting a 1-6-3 double play.
In the bottom of the sixth the Flucos iced the game with three runs. An infield error started the inning. The Orange pitcher then gave up the ninth walk of the game to the Flucos. Sophomore designated hitter Carson Raines followed with a long double to score two. An error allowed him to reach third and on a ground ball he scored when the throw to the plate hit him. The game could have been even more one sided. Because of all the walks allowed by the Orange pitchers, the Flucos left 10 men on base in only six innings at the plate.
The Flucos are 12-3 after this win and are having another strong season. Coach Joel Gray said after the game that his young team is really coming around. It is the right time of year to be getting into the groove. The Flucos schedule shows a game at Louisa that was played on May 9, a game at Goochland County on May 14 and a home game against Monticello High on May 16 – the final game on the regular season schedule. Post season play is certain, but where and when the Flucos will play in the post season remains to be determined.
